In+Narrative+of+the+Life+of+Frederick+Douglass,+Frederick+Douglass+shares+his+struggles+as+a+slave+to+show+that+mental+strength+can+overcome+physical+abuse.


 * Group Presentation Notes**

In "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass", Frederick Douglass shares his struggles as a slave to show that mental strength can overcome physical abuse.
 * Thesis:**

·  Escaped slavery in 1838 to New York around the age of 20. ·  Gave public lectures about his experiences as a slave -From 1841 to 1845, Douglass traveled extensively with Garrison and others through the Northern states, speaking nearly every day on the injustice and brutality of slavery ·  Learned to read and write with little outside help ·  Was sent to live with Edward Covey, a known slave breaker, because his owner believed he was spoiled
 * Background:**

Frederick Douglass was sent by his master, Thomas, to Mr. Covey for one year to “break” his spirit. Douglass and the other slaves were often whipped by Mr. Covey; they lived and worked in harsh conditions. Within the first six months, Mr. Covey succeeded in breaking his spirit. While working, Douglass fell ill and was unable to complete his designated task. Douglass was beaten brutally; he asked Mr. Thomas to help him. His master only allowed him to stay the night, and sent him back to Mr. Covey. In the woods, Douglass met with Sandy Jenkins, another slave. Sandy gave him a special root which was to be carried on his right side; he said the root would make it impossible for any white man to whip Douglass again. One day Mr. Covey tried to whip Douglass, and he fought back. Douglass regained his spirit, and although he remained a slave for four more years he was never whipped again.
 * Summary:**

·  Mr. Covey was cruel to the slaves working for him (physical abuse). ·  Douglass used examples of the harsh conditions o  He worked with unbroken oxen to get a load of wood the first week. o  He was whipped almost every week and worked long hours in all weather conditions. o  “My awkwardness was almost always his excuse for whipping me.” o  Douglass became ill, and was beaten for not working. ·  The root helped Douglass gain the courage to stand up for himself (mental strength).
 * Connection to Thesis:**

Frederick Douglass published his autobiography in 1845 to protest slavery and to convince people to assist the abolitionist movement. The author’s main purpose was to inform (about the cruelty of slavery) and to persuade (people to support the cause of freedom).
 * Author’s Purpose:**